Are There Grizzly Bears on Vancouver Island?

I’ve fielded this question countless times from nervous hikers and curious tourists.

Are there grizzly bears on Vancouver Island?

The answer is simpler than you might expect.

The Real Story About Grizzlies on Vancouver Island

It’s surprising, but yes, Vancouver Island has no resident grizzly bear population.

Black bears rule this island – an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 of them call it home.

But here’s where it gets interesting. Grizzlies have been spotted swimming across from the mainland, particularly in the northern part of the island between Campbell River and Port Hardy.

Again, these aren’t permanent residents.

They’re mainland grizzlies making temporary visits, likely following salmon runs or searching for new territory.

Most sightings happen around Sayward, Port McNeill, and the smaller islands off the northeast coast.

I’ve talked to conservation officers who track these occasional visitors. The BC Conservation Officer Service monitors any grizzly families that show up, but they typically don’t stick around for long.

What makes these sightings special is their rarity. Vancouver Island photographer Callie Boyle captured grizzly cubs play-fighting – the kind of footage that makes wildlife enthusiasts lose their minds because it’s so uncommon here.

Best Ways to See Grizzly Bears from Vancouver Island

If you’re staying in Victoria or Vancouver and want to see grizzlies – well, actually black bears – you’ll need to head to the mainland coast.

The good news? Several excellent Vancouver Island bear tours operate from Campbell River, about 3 hours north of Victoria.

Here are your best options for grizzly viewing:

• Full-Day Adventure: The Campbell River Bute Inlet Grizzly Tour takes you deep into prime mainland viewing territory with expert guides.
• Cultural Experience: The Great Bears of Bute tour combines wildlife viewing with Indigenous cultural insights and storytelling.
• Spring Timing: The Spring Bear and Waterfall Tour is perfect for early season visits when bears are most active.

These tours head to Knight Inlet, Rivers Inlet, and Bute Inlet – the real grizzly hotspots on the mainland coast.

You’ll see bears fishing for salmon, grazing on sedge grass, and doing all the classic grizzly behaviors.

If you’re planning your Vancouver Island trip, check out our guide to the best places to see on Vancouver Island and learn how to get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver to plan your journey.

Where Grizzly Sightings Happen on Vancouver Island

Northern Vancouver Island sees virtually all grizzly activity.

The area between Campbell River and Port Hardy is your best bet for the rare mainland visitor.

Specific hotspots include:

• Sayward Village: Conservation officers recently monitored a grizzly family in this area
• Port McNeill Region: Several confirmed sightings over the past few years
• Northeast Coast Islands: Small islands between the mainland and Vancouver Island see occasional swimmers

Southern Vancouver Island has zero grizzly presence. If you’re staying in Victoria, you won’t encounter any grizzlies during your island adventures.

The reason for this geographic pattern is simple. Grizzlies are strong swimmers but they’re not making 200-kilometer journeys. They cross at the narrowest points between the mainland and northern Vancouver Island.

What This Means for Your Safety

Your bear safety focus should be on black bears, not grizzlies. With up to 12,000 black bears on Vancouver Island, you’re far more likely to encounter them.

That said, if you’re camping or hiking in northern areas:

Honestly, I think the bigger safety concern is simply the massive black bear population. These bears are permanent residents and you’re guaranteed to be in their territory anywhere on the island.

The Parks Canada bear safety guidelines apply to both species and provide excellent safety protocols for Vancouver Island wilderness areas.

Related Questions About Vancouver Island Grizzly Bears

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